Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence
When a student shares that they’ve experienced sexual violence, your response matters. The following guidance is designed to help mandatory employees respond with care, clarity, and responsibility while connecting students to appropriate support.
How to Respond
Understand Your Role and Obligations
- Become familiar with campus reporting processes
- Request a consultation with PEACE
- Receive training on trauma-informed responses
Receiving the Disclosure
- Create appropriate times and private spaces to listen to the survivor share their story
- Understand your limits with confidentiality
- Inform students about your obligation to report
- Establish a follow-up plan
Offer Comfort & Support
- Offer compassionate responses
- Validate and use active listening
- Use statements like “Thank you for sharing this with me” and “I am sorry this happened to you”
- Avoid questions that imply judgment or blame
Connect with Resources
- Getting the survivor connected with confidential resources is a great first step
- Refer to Methodist Hospital for a SAFE exam
- Refer to police for a protective order
- Refer to PEACE for a safety plan
Take Care of Yourself
- Set boundaries and expectations from your first interaction
- Contact EAP Services for an appointment
- Reach out to colleagues, supervisors, or mentors for advice
- Use innate coping strategies to manage stress
